Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A keyboard assembly, comprising: a base; a key cap; a movement mechanism having a first portion coupled to the base and a second portion coupled with the key cap, the movement mechanism facilitating movement of the key cap relative to the base; and a guard structure configured to deform in response to movement of the key cap, the guard structure having a portion positioned between the key cap and the movement mechanism, the portion of the guard structure being in direct contact with a portion of the movement mechanism, the guard structure extending beyond a perimeter of the key cap, the guard structure having an aperture through which a portion of the keycap extends to couple the keycap to the second portion of the movement mechanism.
A keyboard assembly includes a base, a key cap, and a movement mechanism that connects the key cap to the base, allowing the key cap to move relative to the base. The movement mechanism has a first portion attached to the base and a second portion attached to the key cap. A guard structure is positioned between the key cap and the movement mechanism, deforming in response to key cap movement. This guard structure is in direct contact with part of the movement mechanism and extends beyond the perimeter of the key cap. The guard structure has an aperture through which a portion of the key cap passes to connect to the second portion of the movement mechanism. The guard structure may prevent debris or contaminants from entering the movement mechanism while allowing the key cap to move freely. The design ensures durability and protection for the internal components of the keyboard assembly.
2. The keyboard assembly of claim 1 , wherein the base defines a cavity and the guard structure funnels the contaminants into the cavity.
A keyboard assembly is designed to protect internal components from contaminants such as dust, liquids, and debris. The assembly includes a base with a cavity and a guard structure that surrounds the keys. The guard structure is positioned to direct contaminants away from the keys and into the cavity, preventing them from entering the internal mechanisms of the keyboard. This design ensures that contaminants are funneled into a designated area where they can be safely contained or removed, reducing the risk of damage to the keyboard's electronic components. The guard structure may be integrated with the base or attached as a separate component, and it can be made from materials that resist wear and corrosion. The cavity may include additional features, such as drainage channels or absorbent materials, to further enhance contamination management. This assembly is particularly useful in environments where keyboards are exposed to spills, dust, or other contaminants, such as industrial settings, outdoor workstations, or medical facilities. The design improves durability and extends the lifespan of the keyboard by minimizing exposure to harmful substances.
3. The keyboard assembly of claim 1 , wherein the guard structure surrounds the key cap.
A keyboard assembly includes a guard structure that surrounds a key cap to prevent debris, liquids, or other contaminants from entering the underlying mechanism. The guard structure is designed to create a barrier around the key cap, ensuring that the internal components of the keyboard remain protected from external elements. This is particularly useful in environments where keyboards are exposed to spills, dust, or other potential sources of damage. The guard structure may be integrated into the keyboard's housing or attached as a separate component, depending on the design. The key cap itself is the topmost part of the key that a user presses, and it is typically removable for cleaning or replacement. The guard structure ensures that the key cap remains functional while preventing contaminants from reaching the switch mechanism below. This design enhances the durability and longevity of the keyboard, making it suitable for use in industrial, medical, or other demanding environments where contamination control is critical. The guard structure may be made from flexible or rigid materials, depending on the specific application, and can be designed to allow for easy access to the key cap when necessary.
4. The keyboard assembly of claim 1 , wherein the movement mechanism includes a butterfly mechanism.
This invention relates to keyboard assemblies, specifically those incorporating a butterfly mechanism for enhanced key travel and responsiveness. The keyboard assembly includes a movement mechanism that enables keys to move in a controlled manner during actuation. The butterfly mechanism, a type of scissor mechanism, provides stable key travel with reduced wobble and improved durability. It typically consists of two interlocking plastic or metal components that guide the keycap vertically while maintaining alignment. This design is commonly used in compact keyboards to minimize space while ensuring reliable keypress detection. The butterfly mechanism also allows for a low-profile keyboard design, which is desirable for portability and ergonomic use. The assembly may further include additional components such as a keycap, a switch, and a support structure to house the mechanism. The butterfly mechanism ensures consistent key travel and reduces the risk of key misalignment over time, improving the overall typing experience. This design is particularly useful in devices where space is limited, such as laptops or ultra-thin keyboards. The invention addresses the need for durable, responsive, and space-efficient keyboard mechanisms in modern computing devices.
5. The keyboard assembly of claim 1 , wherein the guard structure does not contact the base when the key cap is in a depressed position.
A keyboard assembly includes a key cap, a base, and a guard structure. The key cap is movable between a resting position and a depressed position. The base supports the key cap and provides structural support for the keyboard assembly. The guard structure is positioned between the key cap and the base to prevent lateral movement of the key cap during actuation. The guard structure is designed to not contact the base when the key cap is in the depressed position, ensuring smooth key travel and preventing interference that could affect key responsiveness or durability. This design allows the key cap to move freely without obstruction, maintaining consistent tactile feedback and reducing wear on the guard structure and base. The guard structure may be integrated with the key cap or the base, depending on the specific implementation. The assembly may also include additional components such as a switch mechanism to detect key presses and a housing to enclose the internal components. The guard structure's non-contact design in the depressed position helps maintain long-term reliability and performance of the keyboard.
6. A keyboard, comprising: a base; a web that defines a set of apertures; a butterfly mechanism coupled with the base; a key of a set of keys coupled to the butterfly mechanism and positioned within a respective aperture of the set of apertures; and a gasket comprising: a raised portion positioned between a key cap of the key and the butterfly mechanism, the raised portion being in direct contact with a portion of the butterfly mechanism, a gasket aperture being formed in the raised portion, wherein a portion of the key cap extends through the gasket aperture; and an unraised portion fixed between the web and the base.
This invention relates to keyboard mechanisms, specifically addressing issues of durability, stability, and tactile feedback in mechanical keyboards. The design focuses on improving the interaction between key components to enhance performance and longevity. The keyboard includes a base structure supporting a web that defines multiple apertures for key placement. A butterfly mechanism, which provides the mechanical action for key presses, is coupled to the base. Each key in the set of keys is connected to a butterfly mechanism and positioned within its respective aperture. A gasket is integrated into the design, featuring a raised portion positioned between the key cap and the butterfly mechanism. This raised portion directly contacts a portion of the butterfly mechanism and includes an aperture through which part of the key cap extends. The gasket also has an unraised portion fixed between the web and the base, ensuring structural stability. The gasket's design helps reduce wear, improves tactile feedback, and maintains alignment between the key cap and the butterfly mechanism during repeated use. This configuration enhances the keyboard's durability and responsiveness while minimizing mechanical play or misalignment.
7. The keyboard of claim 6 , wherein the gasket comprises a layer of fabric and a layer of silicone.
A keyboard includes a gasket positioned between a key switch and a keycap to improve typing feel and durability. The gasket is designed to reduce key wobble, enhance tactile feedback, and dampen noise during key presses. The gasket comprises a layer of fabric and a layer of silicone. The fabric layer provides structural support and stability, while the silicone layer offers flexibility and cushioning. This dual-layer construction ensures a balanced typing experience by combining the rigidity of fabric with the softness of silicone. The gasket is positioned to engage with both the key switch and the keycap, ensuring consistent contact and reducing wear over time. The combination of materials also improves sound dampening, making keystrokes quieter. This design is particularly useful in mechanical keyboards where tactile feedback and durability are prioritized. The gasket's structure helps maintain alignment between the keycap and switch, preventing misalignment and extending the keyboard's lifespan. The use of fabric and silicone in the gasket provides a cost-effective and efficient solution for enhancing keyboard performance.
8. The keyboard of claim 6 , wherein the gasket comprises a membrane.
A keyboard system includes a base structure with a plurality of key switches mounted thereon. The key switches are arranged in a grid pattern and are configured to generate input signals when actuated. The keyboard further includes a gasket positioned between the base structure and a cover. The gasket is designed to provide a seal between the base structure and the cover, preventing dust, debris, and liquids from entering the internal components of the keyboard. The gasket comprises a membrane, which is a flexible, thin material that conforms to the surfaces it contacts. The membrane gasket ensures a tight fit while allowing for slight variations in manufacturing tolerances. The keyboard may also include a flexible circuit board electrically connected to the key switches, which transmits the input signals to a processing unit. The processing unit interprets the signals and generates corresponding commands for a connected device. The membrane gasket enhances the keyboard's durability and reliability by maintaining a secure seal under various environmental conditions.
9. The keyboard of claim 6 , wherein the gasket resists depression of the key.
This invention relates to keyboard mechanisms, specifically focusing on improving key stability and resistance to unintended depression. The problem addressed is the tendency of keys to depress too easily, leading to accidental inputs or reduced tactile feedback. The solution involves incorporating a gasket into the keyboard structure that actively resists key depression. This gasket is designed to provide mechanical resistance, ensuring that keys only depress when intentional force is applied. The gasket may be integrated into the key assembly or positioned between the key and the underlying switch mechanism. The resistance can be adjusted based on material properties, thickness, or structural design to achieve the desired tactile response. This feature enhances user control and reduces input errors, particularly in environments where accidental key presses are problematic. The gasket may also contribute to durability by absorbing impact forces and reducing wear on the switch mechanism. The overall design ensures that the keyboard maintains responsiveness while preventing unintended activations.
10. The keyboard of claim 6 , wherein the unraised portion includes: a first region fixed between the web and the base that is coupled to the web and the base; and a second region fixed between the web and the base that is uncoupled from the web and the base.
A keyboard includes a keycap with a web structure and a base, where the keycap has an unraised portion that is partially coupled to the web and the base. The unraised portion includes a first region that is fixed between the web and the base, providing structural support by being coupled to both components. Additionally, the unraised portion includes a second region that is also fixed between the web and the base but remains uncoupled from either, allowing for independent movement or flexibility. This design enables the keycap to maintain stability while permitting localized deformation or actuation in specific areas, improving tactile feedback and durability. The web structure supports the keycap's overall rigidity, while the base provides a mounting surface. The uncoupled second region allows for controlled deflection, enhancing user experience by reducing wear and improving responsiveness. This configuration is particularly useful in mechanical keyboards where precise key travel and feedback are critical. The partial coupling ensures structural integrity while allowing flexibility where needed, addressing issues related to key wear and inconsistent actuation.
11. A key, comprising: a base; a key cap; a movement mechanism having a first portion coupled with the base and a second portion coupled with the key cap, the movement mechanism facilitating movement of the key cap relative to the base; a guard structure configured to deform in response to movement of the key cap, the guard structure having a portion positioned between the key cap and the movement mechanism, the portion of the guard structure being in direct contact with a portion of the movement mechanism and defining an aperture, wherein a portion of the key cap extends through the aperture to couple the key cap to the second portion of the movement mechanism.
A mechanical key design addresses the problem of wear and debris accumulation in key switches, particularly in environments where dust or particles may interfere with key operation. The key includes a base, a key cap, and a movement mechanism that connects the key cap to the base, allowing the key cap to move relative to the base. The movement mechanism has a first portion attached to the base and a second portion attached to the key cap, enabling the key cap to actuate when pressed. A guard structure is integrated into the design to protect the movement mechanism from contamination. This guard structure is positioned between the key cap and the movement mechanism and is configured to deform in response to key cap movement. A portion of the guard structure directly contacts the movement mechanism and includes an aperture through which a portion of the key cap extends, coupling the key cap to the second portion of the movement mechanism. The deformable nature of the guard structure allows it to flex during key actuation while maintaining a barrier against debris, ensuring reliable operation over time. This design is particularly useful in mechanical keyboards or input devices where durability and resistance to environmental contaminants are critical.
12. The key of claim 11 , wherein the guard structure includes a raised portion and an unraised portion, and wherein the aperture is formed in the raised portion.
This invention relates to a key with an integrated guard structure designed to prevent unauthorized access or tampering. The key includes a guard structure that surrounds an aperture, which is used for inserting a locking mechanism or other security feature. The guard structure has both a raised portion and an unraised portion, with the aperture specifically formed in the raised portion. This design ensures that the aperture is protected from direct access, reducing the risk of tampering or forced entry. The raised portion provides an additional physical barrier, making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to manipulate the locking mechanism. The unraised portion may serve as a base or support for the raised portion, ensuring structural stability. The key may be used in various security applications, such as locks, safes, or other access control systems, where enhanced protection against tampering is required. The guard structure's design improves security by limiting exposure of the aperture and reinforcing the key's resistance to physical attacks.
13. The key of claim 11 , wherein the guard structure forms a perimeter around the key cap.
A key assembly for a keyboard includes a key cap with a guard structure that forms a perimeter around the key cap. The guard structure is designed to prevent adjacent keys from interfering with the key cap during actuation, ensuring consistent key travel and reducing the risk of accidental key presses. The guard structure may be integrated into the key cap or attached as a separate component. The key cap itself is connected to a switch mechanism that registers key presses when the key cap is depressed. The guard structure extends vertically along the sides of the key cap, creating a barrier that limits lateral movement of adjacent keys. This design improves typing accuracy and durability by minimizing mechanical interference between keys. The guard structure may be made from the same material as the key cap or a different material, such as a flexible or rigid plastic, depending on the desired level of protection. The key assembly is particularly useful in high-performance keyboards where precise key actuation is critical.
14. The key of claim 11 , wherein the guard structure is coupled to the movement mechanism.
A system for securing a key within a locking mechanism includes a key with a guard structure and a movement mechanism. The guard structure is designed to prevent unauthorized access or tampering with the key, ensuring that only authorized users can operate the locking mechanism. The movement mechanism allows the key to be inserted, rotated, or otherwise manipulated within the locking mechanism, enabling secure locking and unlocking operations. The guard structure is physically coupled to the movement mechanism, ensuring that the key remains properly aligned and functional during use. This coupling enhances the security and reliability of the locking system by preventing misalignment or detachment of the key from the movement mechanism. The system is particularly useful in high-security applications where unauthorized access must be prevented, such as in safes, vaults, or other secure storage devices. The guard structure may include additional features, such as anti-tampering elements or alignment guides, to further enhance security. The movement mechanism may incorporate mechanisms for smooth and precise key movement, ensuring reliable operation under various conditions. The overall design ensures that the key remains securely coupled to the movement mechanism, reducing the risk of failure or unauthorized manipulation.
15. The key of claim 11 , wherein the guard structure is coupled to the key cap.
A system for enhancing the security of mechanical key-based access mechanisms addresses the vulnerability of traditional keys to unauthorized duplication or tampering. The invention involves a key with an integrated guard structure designed to prevent unauthorized copying or manipulation. The guard structure is physically coupled to the key cap, ensuring that any attempt to replicate the key without authorization is obstructed. This coupling mechanism may include interlocking components, adhesive bonding, or other secure attachment methods that resist separation without specialized tools or knowledge. The guard structure may also incorporate tamper-evident features, such as breakable seals or visible indicators, to alert users if the key has been compromised. Additionally, the guard structure may be designed to interfere with common key duplication methods, such as impression copying or mold-based replication, by altering the key's surface profile or incorporating non-standard features. The system may further include authentication mechanisms, such as embedded RFID tags or magnetic strips, to verify the key's legitimacy before granting access. By integrating the guard structure directly with the key cap, the invention ensures that the security features remain intact and functional throughout the key's lifecycle, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
16. The key of claim 11 , wherein the guard structure includes a sloped surface that slopes from an edge of the key cap toward the base.
A key for a keyboard or keypad includes a key cap and a base connected by a guard structure. The guard structure prevents debris from entering the space between the key cap and the base, ensuring reliable operation. The guard structure includes a sloped surface that extends from an edge of the key cap downward toward the base. This sloped design helps deflect debris away from the key mechanism, reducing the risk of contamination. The key may also include a flexible membrane or other sealing mechanism to further prevent debris ingress. The guard structure may be integrated into the key cap or base or may be a separate component. The sloped surface can be continuous or segmented, depending on the design. This design is particularly useful in environments where dust, liquids, or other contaminants could interfere with key functionality. The key may be part of a larger keyboard or keypad, including mechanical or membrane-based switches. The guard structure ensures long-term durability and reliability by minimizing exposure to external contaminants.
17. The key of claim 11 , wherein another portion of the guard structure is positioned between a web structure and the base.
This invention relates to a key structure designed for enhanced security and durability, particularly in applications where resistance to tampering or forced entry is critical. The key includes a guard structure that provides additional protection against unauthorized access or damage. The guard structure is positioned between a web structure and a base, creating a reinforced barrier that prevents manipulation of the key's internal components. This configuration ensures that the key remains intact and functional even under significant stress or tampering attempts. The guard structure may be made from a durable material, such as metal or hardened plastic, to further resist physical attacks. The web structure, which connects the key's functional elements, is shielded by the guard structure, preventing direct access to critical parts. The base provides structural support and stability, ensuring the key maintains its shape and integrity during use. This design is particularly useful in high-security applications, such as locks, safes, or access control systems, where reliability and resistance to tampering are essential. The invention improves upon existing key designs by incorporating multiple layers of protection, reducing the risk of failure or compromise. The guard structure's placement between the web and base ensures that any attempt to manipulate the key will encounter additional resistance, making unauthorized access significantly more difficult. This innovation enhances both the security and longevity of the key, making it a valuable advancement in key technology.
18. The key of claim 11 , wherein the guard structure includes an end that is unconnected to another structure.
A system and method for securing a key structure in a mechanical or electronic locking mechanism involves a guard structure designed to prevent unauthorized access or tampering. The guard structure is integrated with a key, which may be a physical key for a lock or an electronic key for a digital access system. The key includes a body with one or more engagement features, such as notches, grooves, or electronic identifiers, that interact with a corresponding lock mechanism to enable or restrict access. The guard structure is attached to the key and extends along its length, providing physical or electronic protection against unauthorized duplication, manipulation, or forced entry. In some embodiments, the guard structure may include an end that is unconnected to another structure, allowing for flexibility in installation or removal while maintaining security. The guard structure may be made from durable materials such as metal, reinforced plastic, or composite materials to resist cutting, bending, or other forms of tampering. The system may also include additional security features, such as tamper-evident seals, electronic authentication modules, or biometric verification, to further enhance security. The invention addresses the problem of unauthorized access by providing a robust and adaptable guard structure that integrates seamlessly with the key, ensuring that only authorized users can operate the lock mechanism.
Unknown
September 22, 2020
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